KARD's First Full Album Marks the End of One Chapter, Not the Group

Nearly a decade after debuting as one of K-POP's few co-ed groups, KARD is saying goodbye to DSP Media, but not to the group itself.

The group's first full-length album, "Where To Now? (Part.2): NOWHERE," will be its final release under the company before the members' contracts end later this year. The news quickly sparked speculation that KARD was disbanding, but the members say this album marks a transition, not an ending.

"This isn't a disbandment," Jiwoo told K-POPIT during an interview in Seoul ahead of the album's release. "We're simply wrapping up our journey with DSP. We hope people see it as a comma, not a period."

KARD debuted in 2016 with the project single "Oh NaNa" and built a global following through its signature blend of dancehall, tropical house and pop. Although the group has released several EPs and digital singles, "Where To Now? (Part.2): NOWHERE" is its first full-length album.

The 10-track record includes the title track "Back To Life," solo songs from all four members and the fan song "ALWAYS."

The album title also plays on the phrase "NOW HERE," reflecting the group's realization that after years of searching for what came next, they had already found where they belonged.

"It's an album that contains everything KARD has shown over the past 10 years," Somin said. "I think everyone who's been with us all this time will enjoy it."

The same idea carries into "Back To Life." Rather than reinventing its sound, KARD returned to the music that first defined the group.

"When people think of KARD, they often picture our sexier and more powerful side, but many fans also missed the brighter energy of our earlier music," Somin said. "Instead of ending this chapter on a sad note, we wanted to celebrate it and leave fans with something they could enjoy with us. That's why we chose 'Back To Life' as the title track."

Making what will be KARD's final album under DSP Media also weighed on the members. "The process itself wasn't much different from making a mini album, but emotionally it felt much heavier," Somin said. "The solo songs we started releasing late last year were all part of preparing for this album."

BM said one of his biggest goals was to bring back the sound that fans first associated with KARD. "I wanted to revisit the synth sounds and dancehall rhythms people connected with our early music," he said. "More than anything, I wanted listeners to feel that refreshing energy again."

One producer's reaction gave him even more confidence in the finished record. "He listened to the album and said, 'I can't believe you're leaving the company after making an album like this,'" BM recalled with a laugh. "Hearing that gave me a lot of confidence."

Despite years of touring internationally, KARD has yet to earn its first music show trophy in Korea. "If 'Back To Life' reaches No. 1, I honestly don't think I'll be able to hold back my tears," BM said. "I really want us to do it this time."

The comeback will also look different onstage. For the first time in six years, KARD will promote with dancers, building its performances around what the members call the "Last Carnival" concept.

"We wanted to fully express that concept while highlighting each member's individuality," Somin said. "There are limits to what four people can create onstage by themselves," J.Seph added. "With dancers, everything feels much grander."

The album closes with "ALWAYS," a song all four members helped write for the fans who have stayed by their side over the past decade.

"I had so much I wanted to say that it became one of the hardest songs to write," Somin said. "I kept wondering how I could express those feelings in the best way. It's our way of thanking the fans for always being the bright light in our lives."

Throughout the album's production, the members said fans helped them push through moments of doubt. "There were times when I wondered if we could really do this," Somin said. "Whenever I shared those worries with fans, their messages gave me the strength to get back up. I really feel they lifted me whenever things became difficult."

J.Seph said he often found himself thinking about fans during some of his lowest moments. "There were times when I was exhausted and wanted to give up," he said. "Then I'd remember that somewhere, someone was telling me I was the best. That made me think, 'Why am I giving up when there are people who believe in me?' Fans really are the light in my life."

Although their contracts with DSP Media are coming to an end, the members say KARD isn't. They plan to focus on individual activities before reuniting as a group.

"I hope we all grow individually and come back together someday," BM said. "I want to make great music and be the first one to bring it to the members."

Asked how they hoped KARD would be remembered, each member had a different answer. Jiwoo hopes the group's music will bring back memories for listeners. Somin wants KARD to be remembered for its energy onstage. J.Seph kept his answer simple. "I hope we're remembered as the group that always comes back with at least one incredible song," he said with a smile.

After the album's release, KARD will head back on the road for another world tour. Unlike previous tours, which focused mainly on newer releases, the upcoming setlist will revisit songs from the group's early years alongside tracks from the new album.

"In the past, our concerts centered on our latest releases," Somin said. "This time, we're putting together a setlist that lets fans look back on our journey with us. We want to visit as many countries as possible and thank everyone who's been waiting with a great performance."

More than anything, the members want this final chapter with DSP Media to be remembered with smiles rather than tears. "I'm worried I'll cry when I see the fans," Somin admitted with a laugh. "But more than crying, I want us to spend this time smiling together."

KARD will release its first full-length album, "Where To Now? (Part.2): NOWHERE," on July 28 at 6 p.m. KST.